Md. police department gets third chief in a year

ANNE ARUNDEL, Md. — Saying he wants to build trust both with police officers and county residents, Kevin Davis was sworn in Tuesday morning as Anne Arundel County's third police chief in a year.

Davis left his position as assistant chief in the Prince George's County Police Department to assume the chief's job in the Anne Arundel department, where political controversies and anonymous complaints have left the agency reeling.

"There is no better place to make a difference other than where you live," said Davis, who lives in Crofton.

The police protection detail, a former chief and others were drawn into controversies involving former Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold, who resigned after he was convicted of misconduct in office.

Since then, James Teare Sr. retired abruptly last year from the chief's position amid an investigation; Larry W. Tolliver, who took over, left in May, after admitting he used an anti-gay slur and saying that continued questioning of his leadership, especially anonymously, was taking a toll on him and his family.